News Releases

Thornbury Asbestos Management – Update 3

Following the discovery of asbestos at the Thornbury Workshops last week, MFB is conducting a thorough cleaning plan of all affected areas, fire stations and appliances.

A briefing for Thornbury staff was held this morning and was well-attended. Employees were advised of the cleaning schedule and were invited to ask questions of our Brigade Medical Officer who addressed any health concerns.

MFB wishes to reiterate that the results of testing show no asbestos fibres were present at ground level or in the air. Cleaning works being carried out are a precautionary measure, demonstrating the level of importance MFB places on the health and wellbeing of its staff.

So far, seven of MFB’s 47 operational fire stations have undergone a deep clean of active areas, appliances and engine bays. A further five stations are scheduled to be cleaned tomorrow.

Working to this schedule ensures that MFB is able to maintain operational capacity at all times.

Thornbury staff have continued to work from alternate locations today, including administrative offices at Eastern Hill and Burnley.

MFB is working with representatives from the unions (UFU and AMWU) to ensure all employees are fully briefed on the ongoing situation.

MFB would like to remind the community that all Fire Safety Demonstrations and Community Events are cancelled for the remainder of the week.